Mark Sikora

Mark Sikora is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage strong emotions and difficult life changes. He brings decades of experience to sessions and works with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, grief, and anger. Mark starts by listening to each person's story and helping them build on their strengths. With 40 years as an LICSW in Washington, he draws on a mix of practical therapies to help people handle everyday problems and crises. He uses straightforward tools from cognitive behavioral approaches and mindfulness methods to reduce distress and identify patterns that keep problems intact. He also uses client-centered methods to keep sessions focused on what matters most to each person. Mark pays attention to the shifting nature of grief and how it shows up alongside anxiety, mood concerns, chronic illness, and substance-related struggles. He supports people dealing with relationship stresses, parenting challenges, work and career questions, and issues around identity and intimacy. He directly addresses anger and teaches ways to recognize triggers and respond differently. Sessions often include clear, step-by-step strategies alongside space to make sense of painful experiences. Mark believes clients are the experts on their lives, and he aims to help them use their strengths to move toward livable, clearer days. Starting therapy is framed as a courageous first step, and he focuses on practical progress rather than quick fixes. He practices in Washington and conducts work in English. Prospective clients are invited to confirm current session options when they choose to begin.

How these approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often called ACT, blends mindful awareness with values-based action. It helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match what matters to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and anger. It uses concrete exercises and homework to practice new responses.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and try methods that fit each person's situation. That collaboration lets sessions shift focus as needs change, from learning skills to processing losses or handling strong emotions.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by reducing travel and allowing sessions during breaks or evenings. It can also let someone choose shorter check-ins or longer sessions depending on what helps them make steady progress.